Thanksgiving morning

i never cared for holidays much

in fact i found them depressing

but now how i crave the simple delight

of too much turkey and dressing

the warmth, the glow, the twinkle lights

all of which used to make me feel lonely

now shine brightly from the ceiling like stars

they make our house so much more homely

i rise from bed, led entirely by my nose

to the kitchen, alive with commotion

to be greeted with mimosas by my love

we cheers with our thanksgiving potion

it’s just us and the dog on this brisk november day

our families, far off in different directions

but a text, call, or facetime will make us feel close

(at least this way we can’t fight over elections)

i take a deep breath, and my body starts to slack

free from any work, stress, or obligations

before joining my dog on the couch she’s kept warm

(she’s truly the queen of vacations)

as the belcher’s serenade me, i smile to myself

thankful for this time to just be

as my dog licks my nose and my love tops me off

i’m grateful for chosen family